‘Youth Matters’: The National Youth Strategy

The Government has today launched its first National Youth Strategy in 20 years, pledging over £500 million investment to rebuild youth services over the next decade.  

‘Youth Matters’ has been co-produced with more than 14,000 young people across England, where they raised concerns about a lack of mental health support, unprecedented levels of social isolation, and an absence of youth services in their communities. They also called for more safe spaces to connect in person, guidance for their education and careers, greater access to enriching activities and opportunities, and tools to engage positively online and offline. 

The Strategy heavily emphasises the significance of youth work, in turning these commitments into a reality, as well as being essential to the wider societal eco-system: spreading opportunities, making streets safer and taking pressure off the NHS. 

Its long-awaited arrival comes after a significant drop in spending on youth services. Between 2010/11 and 2022/23, local government spending on youth services fell by 73% (a £1.2 billion real-terms cut) with more than 1,000 youth centres closing and over 4,500 youth worker roles being lost. 

Outdoors & Adventure and Access to Nature are specifically mentioned as being essential parts to the strategy's success.